The humidity level of your home is largely out of your control. However, a high humidity level can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can compromise your home’s air quality. Poor air quality can worsen health complications, especially chronic respiratory diseases. Apart from this, a high humidity level can result in wood rot and ruined insulation, which will cost you a fortune in repairs.
For these reasons, you should take every step possible to eliminate high humidity in your home. There are several ways to do this; one of them is to buy a dehumidifier and in this article, you will learn how to choose the right dehumidifier for your home and improve the air quality.
What are dehumidifiers?
Dehumidifiers are devices that improve your home’s air quality by reducing its air moisture content. They are available in different sizes and the type you buy will depend on several factors.
To choose the right dehumidifier for your space, do the following:
Outline what you need the dehumidifier to do
The first step toward choosing the right dehumidifier for your own home is to figure out its purpose. For example, do you need it for the whole house or some rooms? How large is the space it will operate in? What is the air moisture of the space like?
Answering these questions will give you a baseline on what size dehumidifier you should get.
Determine what size dehumidifier fits the purpose
The next step toward choosing a dehumidifier is to determine the optimal size for your needs. For example, if your entire house suffers from high humidity, you will be better served by a whole-house dehumidifier. This device can remove air moisture from spaces between 2,500 – 4,000 square-foot spaces.
If, on the other hand, you only have humidity problems at certain times of the year and in specific spots, a portable dehumidifier is enough. This is where a knowledge of the room’s size and the volume of moisture present in the air. The following is a rule of thumb on what size dehumidifier you should get:
- 34 – 40-pint dehumidifier for a 500 – 1,500 sq. ft.
- 40 – 60-pint dehumidifier for a 1,000 – 2,500 sq. ft.
- 60+ dehumidifier for a 2,500+ sq. ft.
Dehumidifier capacities are rated in pints of water it can remove within 24 hours. So, a 40-pint dehumidifier can rid your home of 40 pints of water in a day.
Choose a dehumidifier with automated control
While it is not a necessity, a dehumidifier with automated controls will certainly be more effective than one without. For instance, some devices come with hygrometers that measure and display humidity levels. With this feature, you can better maintain the ideal humidity level. Some dehumidifiers also come with an adjustable humidistat which you can use to set a humidity level that the machine will adhere to.
By the way, your home’s humidity level should stay between 40 – 50% in summer and 30 – 50% in winter. With an automated dehumidifier, you can easily set this level and the machine will do the rest.
Choose a dehumidifier with a low-noise level
Another factor you should consider when choosing a dehumidifier, especially if it will be working overnight, is its noise level. A dehumidifier with a high noise level might make it hard to sleep. So, choose one with a noise level below 45 decibels.